LENS Neurofeedback

1. In an intake session Myrna and the client will discuss the usefulness of LENS Neurofeedback to the client’s particular history and current experience and if appropriate, do an initial session. The second and possibly the third session will be used to create a brain map of the client which will serve both for diagnosis, the treatment plan, and also as a reference to check later whether there is progress, in conjunction with the client’s actual experience. LENS neurofeedback is suitable for young children. Myrna would discuss the usefulness and appropriateness with the parents and together they would decide it this could be helpful for the child. Parents would be present at all sessions and keep a careful record of their child’s behaviors during the course of treatment. This treatment can be very helpful for children who have been given a diagnosis of ADD/H or ADD.

2. The brain map is a quantative EEG recording done from readings from 21 points on the head.. This is a series of maps where for each measured spot the average level of activity is shown. The brain map is compared to a database to determine areas of over- and under activity compared to the average people of the client’s age and sex. On the basis of the signs and symptoms the client reports and the actual brain map a course of therapy is chosen. This involves an electromagnetic feedback (no stronger than a radio wave) on the EEG sites on the head that need to become more or less active for specific frequencies. During the therapy the client gets the feedback that their specific brain needs to help it adjust the brain wave frequencies and therefore improve.

The Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) uses an electromagnetic field as the carrier wave for the feedback. With this method, the EEG leads serve as bi-directional conduits for both the brainwaves and the feedback signals. This neurofeedback method is distinct in that the duration of treatment for ADD/ADHD, depression, PTSD, and seizures is shorter; and the system settings and electrode sites change from client to client, and for any client, change from time to time.

With this method, the brain wave activity (at both the sites in the brain that have problems in isolation, and at sites that act in coherence systems) can be enhanced, towards a more optimal pattern, in a predictable manner.

Treatment benefits include:

Increased clarity (decreased “mental” fog)

Increased ease

Decreased feelings of irritability

Decreased feelings of anger

Decreased feelings of fatigue

Decreased feelings of anxiety

Decreased feelings of depression

Improved sleep at night

More energy during the day

Improved concentration and attention, formerly interfered with by affective activity

Improved recent memory

Improved vision and speech (due to cortical problems)

Increased sense of ease due to the absence of the need to control intense and gripping feelings

Decreased angina when caused by cortical problems

Tangible clinical improvements are typically noted within 3 to 6 sessions. Reductions in brain wave amplitude and variability will often be noted within the first session. Treatments can alter mood, energy, cognitive functioning, attention, movement, confidence, sleep, and attention. Clients stand a reasonable chance of improvement, even long after physical and psychological trauma.